When the lungs become inflamed, pneumonia can result. Pneumonia is usually cased by an infection, although bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi also can cause the condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pneumonia is especially serious in older patients and those with compromised immune systems. Pneumonia often results from other conditions, such as a bronchial infection or the flu. The condition usually is controlled with antibiotics. It is important to watch for symptoms of pneumonia and seek immediate treatment.
Fever
Since the symptoms of pneumonia often mimic other illnesses, signals such as high fever often are overlooked as signs of pneumonia. The fever often is accompanied by shaking and chills. Fever higher than 102 degrees F for more than a few days may indicate pneumonia.
Cough
A deep, dry cough is usually present when pneumonia sets in. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often live with a persistent cough that is ignored, yet could be a symptom of pneumonia. The cough becomes deeper and more pronounced as the condition develops, and the patient starts coughing up mucus. In some cases, the mucus is rust-colored or greenish. On rare occasions there may be blood in the mucus.
Pain
Pneumonia usually causes chest pains that come and go with the up and down pressure of breathing. Difficulty breathing and a constant headache accompany the chest pain. Muscles begin to feel painful and the patient experiences a general fatigue. Symptoms increase and pain becomes worse within about 12 to 36 hours of the onset of pneumonia, report doctors at the American Lung Association. Chest pain increases as the patient tries to take deeper breaths.
Trouble Breathing
Chest pains and cough begin to make it difficult for a person with pneumonia to breathe. As the condition worsens, the patient develops extreme breathlessness. As pneumonia progresses, a lack of oxygen can make the patient's lips or nails turn blue. The patient may become confused and disoriented the longer the brain is deprived of oxygen. Breathing becomes shallow and rapid as the patient tries to catch his breath.
Loss of Appetite
According the University of Maryland Medical Center, patients who have been coughing become weak and fatigued and lose their appetite. A decreased appetite can lead to weight loss and compromise the body's ability to fight off infection, tending to lengthen the healing time of pneumonia.
